The United States “Southwest:” A bandit’s loot by means of murder and theft

Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821 after ending years of war against colonial imposition and crimes by the Spanish invaders. The war left Mexico drained out which contributed to neglect its Northern territories known today as the United States “Southwest.” The original name of that land is Aztlan and Chicano descendants from the original inhabitants still use that name today.

While Mexico was at war with Spain, thousands of white colonists, cattleman, adventures, and mercenaries, were coming from other parts of North America that had been already invaded and occupied looking for land and gold they could find and obtain “by any means.” These mercenaries fixed their eyes and interest in what is today “Texas,” placed themselves in land plots, and later enlarged their population so that by 1835 there were more white foreigners than native Mexicans in the area. In 1836 the white foreigners occupied most of the territory by force, declared “independence” and called the stolen lands “Republic of Texas.” This bandit’s act caused the war between Mexico and the United States for the first time until the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed between the two countries on February 2, 1848. Mexico lost the land the whites called “Texas” but subsequently the rest of the Northern territories which eventually became part of the whole mass land known today as the US “Southwest.”

The land stolen from Mexico is bigger than Germany and France combined and considered to be among the riches in the world where an abundance of gold was found after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed. The native Mexicans were forced to become US citizens or leave the area one year after the Treaty was signed. As a result of the invader’s laws, thousands of native Mexicans left but the great majority stayed and became citizens. Throughout the development of the so-called “Republic of Texas” the war against Mexicans was made of grave crimes. The well-known philosopher and historian Jose Vasconcelos wrote that one reason whites perpetrated horrible crimes against Mexicans, was because they believed in the concept known as “manifest destiny” which in practice meant to “kill all the Mexicans and take Mexico.” History has registered thousands of grotesque crimes against Mexicans in that part of the Native American Continent, but more outstanding for having similarities with the grave crimes by whites in Central and South America, are those related to the taken of men by force of arms out of their homes to be murdered, then the white killers would back to the homes and rape women and little girls, murder them, set the homes on fire, and kill all the animals.

The historian Jose Vasconcelos wrote that Mexicans used to refer to whites who committed the crimes as “drunken bandits, fornicators, devils vomited from hell, and monsters who defy the laws of nature; they are white men with dirty beards, ignorant, shameless, stinking, with their hats thrown towards the back, thirsty for the wish of stealing our lands and wealth, and for raping our beautiful young ladies.” That reference is still valid today.

Sociologist Stan Steiner wrote a book entitled “La Raza de Bronze” in which he states that “the massacres throughout the ‘Texas’ border was truly incredible, as most whites had turned into cold blooded killers totally degenerate spreading terror all along the territory killing people only because they were Mexicans, calling them ‘stupid greasers’ before murdering them.” The author also wrote in his book about a season called “Mexican hunting” in which the biggest and most incredible crimes were committed against Mexicans by white men, while no punishment was imposed on the killers for their crimes since a judge or jury would not dare to condemn whites for murdering Mexicans. “In reading reports by authorities it feels as if there was indeed a season for real hunting along the border in those days,” wrote the author.

According to other historians who specialize in “Southwest” history, the violence against Mexicans had reached such crisis and proportions that the Secretary of State forced the Governor of the area to take severe measurements in order to protect local Mexicans from white violence in “Texas” and in other parts of the “southwest.” It was generally known but not “officially” admitted that racism was embedded in the violence against Mexicans and as a result, Mexico refused to become a member of the League of Nations arguing that the written agreements did not provided with guarantees on racial equality between whites and Mexicans. The documents were declared to be racist. In an attempt to explain the criminal behaviour of whites against Mexicans, Journalist Manuel Ugarte wrote in the El Heraldo newspaper during May of 1900 the following:

“The irreconcilable opposition between the white and Mexican Communities is presented very vividly and obvious in the hard and indifferent white character; they are falsely arrogant, defy nature, seek to impose the mark of competition, individualism, and blind selfish ambition to possess; like Romans in times of triumph, they want to have as personal servants Chinese, Mexicans or Negroes to pick up the left over’s from their banquets as payment for the work of sub-alternates.”

Note that even though that relates to past history nothing seems to have changed fundamentally if we look at the attitudes and actions of whites towards La Raza in general. One historical fact related to the present political, social, and economic reality of Native American Raza en general, is that which Sociologist Frank Olmstead points out very accurately in his book entitled “The Destiny of a Continent.” In that book the author wrote about the great tragedy suffered by Mexicans during history and what could happen if an attempt was made to establish mutual harmony between whites and Mexicans. He wrote the following eloquent explanation of a reality:

“Between whites and Mexicans there is now and always will be an inevitable antagonism based purely on racial bias on the part of whites that will prevent any healthy human relations of personal character if both would seek to join. The vulgar white mix of hypocritical puritanism and bandolerism that distinguish their majority, does not adopt so that the two can associate in real harmony. The majority of white’s think of Mexicans and other Native Americans as being stupid, ignorant, effervescing, lazy, fanatics, greasers, and full of stupid passion for love. The whites also think of Mexicans and other Native Americans as idolatrous, manipulated by priests, and racially do not see or think of them as white. Consequently, as a result of the white’s state of mind, they treat Mexicans and other Native Americans with disrespect, insolence, and when they can, with injustice.”

This description of the white mentality towards Mexicans and other Native Americans is not necessarily applicable only to the past. That sick mentality is still prevailing nowadays and is the root of most social problems imposed on all Native Americans, regardless of nationality. Based on the white’s problem related to their state of mind and attitudes towards natives in general, the social formation to which La Raza was subjected through crimes before and after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed, is clearly the root of present day racism and other social ills affecting all Native Americans, regardless of what part of the American Continent the person was born in.

The history in that part of the Native American Continent when in 1848 the North of Mexico became the “southwest” of the US gave an accumulation of racial, sentimental, political, and ideological elements that now form well-defined characteristics that should be manifested through transcending acts on behalf of the history of not only Mexico, but of Native America in general. The historical duty of all Native Americans is to recover the land stolen by whites through murder and theft for the purpose of creating and keeping this capitalist system of exploitation at their expense.

47 Responses to The US “Southwest” was stolen from Mexicans

So true, the dirty Americans stole half of Mexico’s territory, they divided this nation, Mexico was a free country, after its independence from Spain. The disputed territory was just Rio Grande and Nueces river, and at least, the USA now has 25% more territory. They had no shame.

I am confused because you left out: Mexico falling into dictatorship in October 1935; Texas Revolt in October 1935; Texas Independence in April 1936; Complete lack of law enforcement; California Revolt in June 1846. Then after a short war, the US reestablished the Constitution of Mexico in August 1846, brought back democracy, and paid Mexico for the conquered land. And Mexico fell into dictatorship again under the Austrian Maximilian in June 1864, during the U.S. Civil War, which scared the US into Sherman’s March to the Sea, which destroyed the south. Napoleon III sponsored Maximillioin and Queen Victoria order the entire Gibraltar garrison to stand in salute as the Hapsburg flotilla sought to create another imperial dictatorship on the U.S. boarder.

Do you seriously think America is going to “give back” the American South West? Hell no! Yall clam that this is your “homeland” but it isn’t any more. It is part of America now so get over it. How would you feel if Spain wanted Mexico back? Also, if you took over the southwest, Mexico’s economy wont change. The southwest is prosperous because its part of America. If it was taken over by Mexico, all the businesses and company’s and other Americans will leave. It all would start to look like the corrupt land full of poverty that you call Mexico. Also, we didn’t “steal” it. The United States bought it LEGALLY for 15 million in 1848. After that purchase, the southwest became no longer part of Mexico. And if Mexico tried to “take” back the southwest will just end up in war. America and all of its allies will come and DESTROY Mexico. Just get over it already. Your never going to get the southwest so deal with it

As a white American, I am appalled at your disgusting arrogent comment. You are the reason why most people outside the United States have such contempt for us. You are ignorant of history, (what lead up to the loss of those territories) totally un-empathetic to the plight of the indigenous people of this nation. In more enlightened circles of the United States, you are regarded as an “UGLY AMERICAN and a Stain.”

Most (or all) Caucasians deny the historical facts related to what is now the US Southwest. The same is true about the facts on how the US came into being. The fair conclusion is that denying the historical facts shows the irresponsible mentality of whites as part of their arrogance on which their racial “superiority” is based on. This of course is not expected to be admitted by whites.

What seems to be left out of these sorts of discussions is an explanation of how the people of Mexico would have a right to claim Texas as their own in the first place. The only thing that connects Texas with Mexico is that the whole area was claimed by Spain. The groups that inhabited Mexico before the arrival of the Spanish in 1519 for the most part were not associated with the groups that inhabited Texas.

Texas was never a homeland for the people of Mexico, and they did not migrate to Texas in large numbers before 1821 for a number of reasons. When Mexico gained independence from Spain in that year, there were only about 3700 people living in the interior of Texas, not counting Native Americans. After Mexican Independence, as you referenced, Anglos flooded Texas and quickly outnumbered the Tejanos already there. It was only 15 years from the time Mexico gained independence until Texas broke away from Mexico.

During those 15 years, Mexico’s incompetent government of Texas did not win them any fans, either. It’s hard to support a government where you have somebody crown themselves emperor (Iturbide), and then have somebody like Santa Anna come to power only a few years later. Those 15 years were filled with coup attempts, and when Texas finally rebelled, they were only one of ten Mexican states to rebel, Texas just happened to be the only one that succeeded.

So I ask you, if Mexicans did not migrate to the interior or Texas in large numbers, if Mexico only held Texas for 15 years after the end of Spanish rule, and if Mexico and Texas are only connected by the fact that they were claimed by Spain, what exactly is it that gives Mexico more of a right to Texas than the United States has, other than Mexico having claimed the area first.

Which brings me to what I believe. All of Mexico and Texas were stolen from Native Americans by Europeans. Texas being stolen from Native Americans who lived in Texas in no way means that any Native Americans who lived elsewhere have any right to claim Texas. This includes the people of Mexico. So yes, I agree Mexico and its people have been treated badly by Americans, but I just don’t see where Mexico has a claim to Texas that is any stronger than Spain’s or the US’s.

What do you expect from people who:
1- their bible tell them to kill All humans, animals, and rape their enemies women.
2- they think they are the descendants of the Romans but in the same time overlook the fact that Romans enslaved the European whites more than any other nations.
3- their success in colonizing half the world made them think they are invincible.

1. No where in the Bible does it instruct any of us to kill all humans, animals, or commit rape. There are histories referring to it having been done. But, not instructions to do such a thing.
2. The Italian is a descendent of the Roman. And the Romans were as white as any other European. This is because they were European. They did conquest most of Europe. But they did not enslave more of us than any other nation. That title is held by the Russian Communists.
3. You are exactly right on your third point. And, it is a mindset that will have serious consequences,
In conclusion: I believe a claim on Texas by Mexico is invalid. If Texas belongs to Mexico because they took it in open warfare from Spain et.al. and such a claim is valid based on your Nations right of Conquest. Then, would it not likewise be true that Texas’ claim of Independence from Mexico is valid based on that same right of Conquest? Would this be true, especially considering that they were left with little choice but to defy and resist the corrupt and tyrannical Mexican government that they lived under at the time?

Before the Europeans arrived in the area now known as “Mexico” the various tribes there were well organized and made great ritual of killing and subjugating each other. When victorious, they murdered their captives as a way of earning blessings from their deities. They don’t do that any more. Neither do the Americans–those who are the children of the European groups that did this too. Here is the reason why things have changed: Christianity has had a huge impact on the way we humans relate to each other. All in all, I’d say that things have turned out rather well for all concerned–given the “traditions” of all of our ancestors. Mexico today is the business of today’s Mexicans. Shall they give it back to the Acatecs, Cocopas, Tepehuas, Toltecs, Zapotecs, Mayas etc? It’s complicated! Let the quality of life there speak for the quality of the Mexican world view–as it does in the US. As it does in all nations. Indeed, God help all of us deal with our current realities without repeating the barbarism of the past in either our deeds or our words.

People will believe the truth to be something it really is not. Because some radical Hispanic teacher proclaims that America stole Texas and California from Mexico, foolish uneducated
Mexican children believe that teacher. Spain invaded Mexico, Spain inhabited California
and the southwest. Mexicans, as they now call themselves, were mostly poor farmers,
fishermen or unskilled slaves for the Spanish invaders, the Spanish were at war with the Native
Americans, not over land rights, but over their women being raped, and hunting grounds being invaded. There was a war fought over this territory, The U.S won that war, then generously paid
15 million to the established Mexican Government for the territory . So, we stole nothing.
The Mexican Gov sold the land that did not even “belong” to them. This land belonged to Native Americans, NOT MEXICANS. WAKE UP! Stop spreading racism against the Caucasians, and if you really think the whites are terrible people, STOP receiving housing vouchers and food stamps that I have worked for 35 years to pay for, and If Mexico is so wonderful, then why not return there?

Thank you!
I’m sick of being blamed and reviled and demanded to feel guilty for being white! Learn the truth about slavery, the colonization of the US and the Southwest! You can’t “own” an earth that was here long before people were. We live on it, not own it.
And it’s inciteful, divisive crap like this that stops everyone from getting anywhere but pissed off and more hateful.

Well said. The truth hurts and the sad truth is that Mexico lost the war, period. Everything else really doesn’t matter. Oh, I should mention that the Alamo had a lot to do with why The United States eventually went to war with Mexico. That was a massacre from the Mexican side. So while I don’t doubt that SOME (not all) of these American atrocities mentioned by these leftist activist professors happened, they probably did, but Mexico is not guiltless in that matter, nor are the Aztecs and nor is any civilization for that matter. In the end it is just another leftist piece of propaganda trying to sway more young people to their brand of reality, which really isn’t reality at all, it’s fairly land.

This article talks alot about “crimes” committed by Americans, in the manner in which they took possesion of lands, before and after the Mexican American war. I don’t see alot of Mexicans that reject the premise of government, but rather seem to demonise the american government while supporting their own government, of which always has an invasion story of its own.

If government is your view, then win the war if you want the lands. Mexicans havn’t rejected their acceptance of government as the arbitor of lands , properties, and the conducting of war. All lands possessed by government have at some point been usurped from another, and a land that has always been in possession of one group is a rarity beyond compare.

Government IS the context of “crime” or that which is “stolen”, so don’t come to me crying about the loss of generational lands while you are carrying your mexican governmental identity with you. It would be one thing if the accusation of stolen lands was made by one opposed to all goverment, in support of the natural law, but I’ll never accept that from people going by the assumption that their government is legitimate, but what other governments did to them is not.

Government IS force, it’s premise is always held in place by coercion and the threat of violence. Your government is just as much based around a geographical psuedo monopoly on the intiation of the use of force as any other: to be pissed about another government being more successful in that ends is hypocritical.

What do you think Mexicans really are? They are Native Americans!! Mexicans are descendants of Aztecs and they are natives just like Apaches and others. The term “Mexican” derives from the scientific “Mexica” which identify them as Native Americans. Also, Mexicans are not “Latinos” nor “Hispanics” and this apply to all “brown” people descendants of indigenous [native] peoples of the American Continent. Got it?

Actually SOME Mexicans are descendants of Aztecs but others are mestizos, which is mixed Spanish and Mexica blood. So the statement that Native Americans are Mexicans is not entirely true. If it were then the MEXICAN government would still be a Mexica, slave sacrificing, theocracy where the leader would depend on dreams and shamans for political advice. Ah, I don’t think that is happening or may be it is.

The recent map published in Slate shows that European Spaniards ie Mexicans only occupied a few hundred square miles of land around the mouth of the Colorado River. Most of which is still Mexico, but part of which is now the US.

But most of this area is otherwise desert, roughly the size of Bundy’s ranch. The total Spanish population was around 10,000, in a few small towns of perhaps a few square miles. The rest was “occupied” by Mexican cattle, not people.

Meanwhile starting in the late 1830s and the early 1840s the Gringos were coming in over the mountains to the West, plus into Texas. Where were the Mexicans? So they are supposed to own the land that Spain gave them without actually having to live there? The Gringos are supposed to seek out some foreign government to pay tribute to?

The entire argument about the Mexican loss of that land, completely ignores the Treaty of Guadalupe, that ended the Mexican/American war, which Mexico started, and surrendered that land as part of those peace accords. Lands that Mexico itself killed native tribes itself to possess.

Does anyone remember how many MEXICANS (then known as Tejanos) fought and died inside the Alamo Mission fighting against Santa Ana’s Army? Mexicans who wanted to break away from Mejico and become a part of the new Republic of Texas? It’s something that the history books forgot to mention.

Fact: the so-called “Texas Heroes” came from the north as mercenaries to take these lands under a grant offered by the Republic of Mexico.
Fact::These northern “heroes” (Austin, Travis, David Crocket, Houston, and others) were mercenaries and drunkards,, murderers, and thiefs.
Fact: These lands in the southwest were legally Mexico, not Spanish, or French.
Fact: If the “Texas Heroes” and all the other 300 northeners were treated unjustly by the Mexican government like in the case of Stephen Austin, they could had left back home.
Fact: They didn’t leave, They chose to stayed and fight to steal these rich lands.
Fact: The invadors took advantage of the situation of the Mexican government to take these lands by disapropieting Mexican rightfull owners of their ranches with all inside.
Fact: They stole these lands the same as they did to the native indians in the north.
Therefore, the United States government should make a “Mea Culpa” apology and make reparation for the damages, lands stolen, murderers, and other atrocities made by their people to the native american Mexican as well as all those other Mexican nationals that suffered under their bruttality.
What is done, is done, and no one can go back to the past, it is what it is today, but reparation should be made, No need for offenses, or insults to either country, let’s live in peace and hamony, and share the goodness of this land today.

I am British, a Christian Missionary, and a true servant of the Living God Jesus Christ,12 years service in Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, and Zaire, …and now 11 years in beautiful Mexico, AND TRULY I AM ASHAMED TO BE GROUPED WITH THE COLOUR OF SKIN KNOWN AS WHITE!

Have no doubts or fears good people, Jesus is not Blind, Deaf, nor Crazy….in Heaven He has a computer , the computer of all computers, filled with all the info of evil men, and women, and their evil deeds, and every evil act that THE AGGRESSORS USA , the Romans, Greeks, Germans, AND THE BRITISH, and every conquering group of Political thieves, have brutally and inhumanly committed against so many peoples of the world…..is there, written with a diamond that can never be obliterated nor hidden and all accounts He will settle in full…

My heart aches for the ignorant, uneducated leaders of this fantastic planet, who take the lead by heinous and atrocious mass killings, and racial genocides which are never punished . They are no more than criminals, whose despicable crimes are never given correct sentences….and are absolved on earth of all their barbarisms…however, the day of reckoning is fast approaching AND HE WHO KEEPS THE ACCOUNTS NEVER SLEEPS, NOR SLUMBERS..

I have stood on 3 continents and spoken the truth as it is ….and paid a heavy price for doing so, a year in an African Prison, Arusha, Tanzania,…..we, friends need to fight for the truth, and when we see crimes then we must play our part and condemn the guilty..

OF COURSE USA IS A THIEF, MOST UNPROFESSIONAL AND BLATANTLY CRUDE, AND WITHOUT ANY FEAR OF GOD… BUT BE ASSURED ALL YE SERVANTS OF SATAN YOUR JUDGMENT IS COMING, AND THAT RIGHT FAST…

YOU HAVE STOLEN HALF OF BEAUTIFUL MEXICO, AND NOW WITH THE NORTH AMERICAN ALLIANCE YOU BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN STEAL THE OTHER HALF….AND TRANSFORM MEXICO INTO JUST ANOTHER STATE OF YOUR HIJACKED EMPIRE, AND MEXICANS INTO YOUR LOWER CLASS, UNDERPAID SERVANTS…

Gal 6:7 Do not deceive yourselves; no one makes a fool of God. You will reap exactly what you plant.
Gal 6:7 No os engañeis: Dios no puede ser burlado: que todo lo que el hombre sembrare, eso también segará.

YOUR TIME AS WITH ALL EVIL PERPETRATORS, IS OVER, YOUR EMPIRE IS FALLING APART, AND THE PIPER MUST BE PAID.

Hey, you gringos who argue that the us did not stele half of Mexico, you don’t know the extent that the us government would go to gain empire. If you say that the us paid mexico 15 million pesos for the land stolen, you are wrong. Mexico did not want to sell even one inch of its territory, but gringo guns were bigger and more plentiful than those of Mexico. The us threw the money in the face of the Mexican government so that the history books would say that the us bought the land. You called the theft, “manifest destiny, right? Well I call manifest destiny when the Chinese will some day, sooner than later, march into washington the way you marched into Mexico City. Let’s see how philosophical you are then.

Mexico was stolen can’t believe how ignorant some people are thinking it wasn’t it was forcibly taken. Mexicans are going to take it back and many other races are coming along with us unfortunately once stolen always stolen. The white race is diminishing and their powers getting weaker that’s why they are threatened by the Mexicans and trying to get rid of them it’s because we are coming back to claim what is ours!!!

I am confused because you left out: Mexico falling into dictatorship in October 1935; Texas Revolt in October 1935; Texas Independence in April 1936; Complete lack of law enforcement; California Revolt in June 1846. Then after a short war, the US reestablished the Constitution of Mexico in August 1846, brought back democracy, and paid Mexico for the conquered land.

Also, I think that Polk ran on annexing Texas, which was an independent nation that had requested admission twice. And Mexico fell into dictatorship again under the Austrian Maximilian in June 1864, during the U.S. Civil War, (Queen Victoria of Britain ordered the Gibraltar Garrison to all stand in salute while the Hapsburg flotilla proceeded to Mexico), which scared the U.S. into Sherman’s March to the Sea in Nov 1864, which destroyed the south.

For those stupid ignorant gringos, that still believe that this land was not stolen take a look at real history.

Compiled by Chris Schefler
Chris Schefler’s Home Page Did you know that until 1848 California, New Mexico and other portions of the Southwest were internationally recognized provinces of free Mexico, until the U.S. decided it wanted those provinces, declared war on Mexico, and stole them? Read on for the chronology of these events, and then ask yourself : “Who are the real illegal in California?” Prior to 1822 What is today Mexico, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and California are all Spanish colonies.1822Mexican colonists, following the American revolution, rebel against Spain and win their own revolutionary war, making Mexico a free nation just like America.1844James Polk campaigns for the U.S. presidency, supporting expansion of U.S. territories into Mexico.February, 1845James Polk, on his inagauguration night, confides to his Secretary of the Navy that a principal objective of his presidency is the acquisition of California, which Mexico had been refusing to sell to the U.S. at any price.Early 1845The Washington Union, expressing the position of James Polk, writes: “…who can arrest the torrent that will pour onward to the West? The road to California will be open to us. Who will stay the march…?” “A corps of properly organized volunteers…would invade, overrun, and occupy Mexico. They would enable us not only to take California, but to keep it.” Early 1845 John O’Sullivan, editor of the Democratic review writes it is “Ourmanifest destiny to overspread the continent …for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions.” Early 1845James Polk promises Texas he will support moving the historical Texas/Mexico border at the Nueces river 150 miles south to the Rio Grande provided Texas agrees to join the union. “The traditional border between Texas and Mexico had been the Nueces River…and both the United States and Mexico had recognized that as the border.” (Zinn, p. 148) June 30, 1845James Polk orders troops to march south of the traditional Texas/Mexico border into Mexican inhabited territory, causing Mexicans to flee their villages and abandon their crops in terror.

“Ordering troops to the Rio Grande, into territory inhabited by Mexicans, was clearly a provocation.” (Zinn, p. 148)

“President Polk had incited war by sending American soldiers into what was disputed territory, historically controlled and inhabited by Mexicans.” (John Schroeder , “Mr. Polk’s War”)

Early 1846Colonel Hitchcock, commander of the 3rd Infantry regiment, writes in his diary: “…the United States are the aggressors….We have not one particle of right to be here….It looks as if the government sent a small force on purpose to bring on a war, so as to have a pretext for taking California and as much of this country as it chooses….My heart is not in this business.” May 9, 1846President Polk tells his cabinet: “…up to this time…we have heard of no open aggression by the Mexican Army.” May 10, 1846Violence erupts between Mexican and American troops south of the Nueces River. Of course Polk claims Mexicans had fired the first shot, but in his famous “spot resolutions” congressman Abraham Lincoln repeatedly challenges president Polk to name the exact “spot” where Mexicans first attacked American troops. Polk never met the challenge. May 11, 1846President Polk urges congress to declare war on Mexico. May 12, 1846: Horace Greeley writes in the New York Tribune: “We can easily defeat the armies of Mexico, slaughter them by thousands, and pursue them perhaps to their capital; we can conquer and “annex” their territory; but what then? Who believes that a score of victories over Mexico, the “annexation” of half of her provinces, will give us more Liberty, a purer Morality, a more prosperous Industry…? 1846Congressman Abraham Lincoln, speaking in a session of congress “…the president unnecessarily and unconstitutionally commenced a war with Mexico….The marching an army into the midst of a peaceful Mexican settlement, frightening the inhabitants away, leaving their growing crops and other property to destruction, to you may appear a perfectly amiable, peaceful, un- provoking procedure; but it does not appear so to us.” after war is underway, the American press comments:

February 11, 1847. The “Congressional Globe” reports: “…We must march from ocean to ocean….We must march from Texas straight to the Pacific ocean….It is the destiny of the white race, it is the destiny of the Anglo-Saxon Race.”

The New York Herald: “The universal Yankee Nation can regenerate and disenthrall the people of Mexico in a few years; and we believe it is a part of our destiny to civilize that beautiful country.”

American Review writes of Mexicans “yielding to a superior population, insensibly oozing into her territories, changing her customs, and out-living, exterminating her weaker blood.”

1846-1848U.S. Army battles Mexico, not just enforcing the new Texas border at the Rio Grande but capturing Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, and California (as well as marching as far south as Mexico City). 1848 Mexico surrenders on U.S. terms (U.S. takes over ownership of New Mexico, California, an expanded Texas, and more, for a token payment of $15 million, which leads the Whig Intelligencer to report: “We take nothing by conquest….Thank God”).(date unknown) General Ulysses S. Grant calls the Mexican War “the most unjust war ever undertaken by a stronger nation against a weaker one.